Everybody has pop/rock heroes, but in the case of Morrissey, his legacy goes beyond pop-like stereotypes or clichés. His songs/poems are open windows through moments of wisdom and/or situations that should concern us as conscious and thoughtful (?) beings. Since 1982, Morrissey´s using the vocal melody and pop music to speak about meaningful and serious subjects like very few artists did in the past. To this day, Morrissey is one of the few musicians (maybe the only one) with a coherent and thoughtful point of view towards many of the atrocities in the world (and yes, trolls, it goes even further than “meat is murder”.)

I never listened to an intelligent argument that do not uncovers ignorance, homophobic hate or lack of knowledge on the subject when somebody´s criticizing The Smiths/Morrissey´s music or even worse, his lyrics. It´s true that the man had some confusing moments (like any other genius), but his catalogue reveals one of the most honest – with tons of black humor – and brainy legacies in the history of popular music. It´s ok if the hordes of haters are still out there, because his music, voice and lyrics were never meant to like everybody. It´s not that simple than with The Beatles, but indeed his music and lyrics deserves more than just a quick look. Maybe I´m asking too much as we live in the spotify age where the concept of listening to music as a whole´s gone. Also, this is not a dictatorial argument. If you don´t like Morrissey´s totally fine, but would love to hear some thoughtful arguments.

But beyond repeating statements that I wrote before, there´s a better way to celebrate Manchester´s legend: to go deep (not so deep) into lists made by the man himself (Morrissey loves to compile vestiges of pop culture) where he choose his favorite songs, albums and singers of all time.

If you want to go really deep, there´s no better way to go than with Simon Goddard´sMozipedia or Songs That Save Your Life. If you want to read it from the man´s pen and paper, just get his Autobiography.

“Singles To Be Cremated With” (“Headful Of Heroes” in the NME of 16 September 1989)

The World’s Loneliest Man – Vince Eager

Don’t Take The Lovers From The World – Shirley Bassey

What A Nice Way To Turn 17 – The Crystals

There, I’ve Said It Again – Sam Cooke

Loneliness Remembers What Happiness Forgets – Dionne Warwick

Strange, I Know – The Marvelettes

Third Finger, Left Hand – Martha Reeves And The Vandellas

I Take It Back – Sandy Posey

Heart – Rita Pavone

Shoes – Reparata

Terry – Twinkle

Attack – The Toys

I’ve Been A Bad, Bad Boy – Paul Jones

Insult To Injury – Timi Yuro

“Morrissey’s top eight tracks as a castaway”

“(There’s Gonna Be a) Showdown” – New York Dolls from Too Much Too Soon